RICO’s Q (Commentary) President Rodrigo Chaves expressed confidence in securing the 38 votes needed in the Legislative Assembly to advance the reforms he considers essential to the Judiciary.
The president emphasized the importance of unity and the responsibility of the legislators, noting that the country’s transformation process depends on each representative’s commitment to the nation and the well-being of Costa Ricans.
During his latest press conference, Chaves stated:
“Now I want Costa Ricans to imagine what Costa Rica could be like with a more united country, with a strengthened people who decided to continue the transformation of this nation and who left us a little short of being able to more easily transform the three branches of government.”
The president expressed his optimism regarding the negotiations with the legislators:
“I believe that can be achieved. There are already 31 good ones on this side; there have to be enough good ones in the second-largest faction. I have no hope with the third-largest faction in the Assembly, and the two single-member factions are irrelevant. If they want to join, they are welcome.”
Chaves delivered a strong message to the opposition, warning about the risks of acting irresponsibly:
“I call on the opposition deputies who are here not to make fools of themselves and harm the nation, as Francisco Nicolás did, as Dinorah Barquero did, as Gloria Navas did, as Antonio Ortiga did, or whatever his name is, Antonio Ortega. So many who caused harm, in addition to making fools of themselves, and who denigrated the first branch of government in the eyes of the people of Costa Rica.”
Finally, the president called for reflection on the previous administration and praised the committed legislators:
“The 57 incoming representatives should look back and learn from the past, for history will bury the worst Legislative Assembly in our nation’s history. Obviously, there are gems among them, like Pilar Cisneros and Ada Acuña, including opposition representatives, some from the PUSC.
“It’s a shame that Vanessa Castro is tarnishing their image, having been under the same banner, including some from the National Liberation Party who left. I believe that the New Republic representatives, on average, were a great group. The 57 incoming representatives should look back at what lies behind them, which unfortunately was largely a cesspool, and imagine the wonders they could accomplish for the country in the future.”
The message is clear: the Executive Branch wants to press ahead with Judiciary reforms, but how they do it matters just as much as what they propose. Getting to 38 votes isn’t about labeling some “good” and others “bad.” It calls for building trust, bridging gaps, and offering well-founded proposals that resonate beyond the ruling party.
Meaningful change—especially when it shifts power—demands real political dialogue, respect for institutions, and strong legal backing. If transformation is the aim, confrontation won’t cut it; smart negotiation will.
At the end of the day, the Assembly isn’t a battlefield but a place for diverse voices. With 31 votes secured, the other 7 won’t come from insults or dismissals—they’ll come through persuasion.